HYANNIS – As regional officials push for wider access to broadband on Cape Cod, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at Mass Tech is launching the Broadband Infrastructure Gap Networks Grant Program, a $145 million initiative to bring high-speed internet to areas lacking broadband-level service and infrastructure.
The program will place an emphasis on low-income communities and disadvantaged population groups in an effort to fix the digital divide.
The program will contain two solicitation grant rounds, with application deadlines on December 11, 2023, and April 17, 2024.
Private entities, non-profits, tribal entities, co-ops, and public-private partnerships are all welcome to apply.
A regional broadband assessment currently underway by the Cape Cod Commission is looking to provide stronger understanding of internet service gaps in Barnstable County, including identifying areas that are considered unserved or underserved by current internet service provision.
According to Commission officials, the assessment seeks to verify broadband performance issues across the region, with early indicators bearing out seasonal slowdowns during peak summer demand.
The full assessment is expected in late spring 2024.
The Institute is holding a Technical Assistance webinar on November 14 at 10 am for interested parties.
To learn more, click here.
EDIT 10/31/2023: The previous version of this story said that the Cape Cod Commission’s broadband assessment was complete. The initiative is still underway with a full assessment expected in late spring of 2024.
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